Reovirus Detected for the First Time in Bangladesh: What is Cause & Symptoms?

The people of Bangladesh are panicked after the circulation of the breaking news which is about the report of the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research stating that a new virus termed “Reovirus” has been detected in the country for five people for the first time. This has been officially confirmed by the Director of the Institution, Professor Dr.Tahmina Shirin.

While testing a group of forty eight people suspected of Nipah virus the medical team has found that five of the people have been affected by the Reovirus. The IEDCR said that all the five people are observed normal with no changes in their body and they are sent to their homes after the treatment.

What is Reovirus – Cause & Symptoms

Biologically Reovirus is an abbreviation of “Respiratory Enteric Orphan Virus” which is a linear double stranded virus with broad host ranges and it can spread from one person to another due to unclean sewage, stagnant river water are the major causes. The symptoms of this virus is detailed by the Director of the Institution Tahmina,

“When infected with reovirus, symptoms are similar to those of Nipah virus. That is, breathing problems, fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur. In severe cases, pneumonia and even encephalitis can occur. Children and the elderly are more affected. However, we are still not sure how it spreads, it can also be spread through sneezing and coughing; more extensive research is needed”.

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This virus was initially discovered in the world in the 1950’s.

“Many people get infected with Nipah virus every year after consuming raw date juice. IEDCR recently tested samples of 48 people after seeing similar symptoms. Although Nipah virus was not found in these people, reovirus was found in the bodies of five people. This virus was identified during IEDCR’s regular research with Columbia University in the United States to search for new pathogens” added Professor Dr.Tahmina Shirin.